[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-that-year-in-huayu":3,"chapter-that-year-in-huayu-that-year-in-huayu-chapter-56":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","That Year in Huayu",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2286892,4473,"Chapter 56","that-year-in-huayu-chapter-56",56,"\u003Cp>The lights in the distance were brilliant, a scene of prosperity; here, the beer, barbecue, and the smoky atmosphere made for a rather wonderful combination.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The place Huang Bo picked was quite good and had plenty of customers; the four of them found a secluded corner to enjoy the night view while eating, drinking, and chatting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Director Chen Kaige has really been criticized from top to bottom lately. The crew turned that scenic area into such a state and then just up and left. Now that the matter has fermented to this point, the locals have even filed a lawsuit,\" Ning Hao said after taking a bite of meat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(Ning Hao said this after taking a bite of meat.)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I saw the photos online. You really have to be a big director to dare to run off to Heavenly Lake and build illegal structures on such a large scale,\" Huang Bo said, quite amused, and teased.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(Huang Bo said this, quite amused, and teased.)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan hadn't paid attention to this matter before, but he had an impression of it. Director Chen had always been fond of grandiosity, and with *The Promise* backed by China Film Group, he was bound to go all out. Who knew that the old director wouldn't consider the consequences, and now he had stirred up such a mess.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In the future, when we make movies, we must learn from Director Chen's lesson. Once this happens, his name will be left on the pillar of shame,\" Lin Nan said to Ning Hao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(Lin Nan said this to Ning Hao.)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Where would I have the energy of Director Chen? If something like this were in my hands, it would be absolutely impossible. I just don't know what kind of thing he actually filmed to cause so much trouble. I'll have to go see it when the time comes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let's go together, let's go together. We really do need to learn from the big director's film,\" Huang Bo chimed in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan wanted to laugh but held it back. \"Then we shall go and pay our respects when the time comes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"By the way, *Seven Swords* is coming out at the end of the month. It's by Xu Ke. Do you want to go take a look? His martial arts films have always been my favorite,\" Ning Hao said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I like *Green Snake*,\" Huang Bo said out of the blue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The unspoken understanding between men manifested instantly; Lin Nan and Ning Hao didn't respond, because Xing Aina was still there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"After *Return to Dust* finishes its theatrical run, do you really have no new film plans?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ning Hao asked Lin Nan, and Huang Bo looked over as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There definitely have to be some, I'm still thinking about it. Why is everyone concerned about my film plans?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan had heard this question from different people many times already.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There are only so many notable directors, and many have fixed partners. Now that you're free, it's only natural that more people are keeping an eye on you.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Don't look at me, though; my schedule is quite full, I'm not idle,\" Ning Hao said while eating.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan looked at Xing Aina, and she nodded; Ning Hao wasn't lying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the group finished their meal, they strolled for another two hours before calling it a night.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Bo called someone to drive him back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xing Aina hadn't been drinking, so she took the wheel and dropped Lin Nan off at the entrance of the Film Academy on the way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was nine or ten at night, and there were still many students entering and leaving the school, and quite a few luxury cars at the gate; it was almost like this at every arts college.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next day, Lin Nan received a call from Shanghai Film Group; they had already held a meeting to discuss what he had mentioned yesterday, and the opinion was very unanimous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shanghai Film Group explicitly stated they wanted to invest. Lin Nan marveled at their efficiency; it was much faster than China Film Group. President Ren was truly worthy of being the one in charge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for the specific share, they would send someone to communicate with Lin Nan, or Lin Nan could organize the various parties to discuss it together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In President Ren's eyes, Shanghai Film Group's only competitor was China Film Group; even if there were other film studios, he didn't take them seriously, and he cared even less about private film companies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright, President Ren. How about this: China Film Group hasn't given me a definitive answer yet. Once they have a result, I'll let you know, and we can discuss it together on my end.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There are only so many shares, and I also need to keep some to invest myself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Other private companies will definitely have to be included as well...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan admired President Ren's way of thinking; he actually thought two or three companies would suffice, preferably just Lin Nan, Shanghai Film Group, and China Film Group, without considering private companies at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If it were China Film Group, they would likely have the same idea.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Lin Nan was still preparing to \"shear the sheep.\" Private enterprises participating in Hollywood films had a strong incentive for both fame and prestige; it seemed that before long, Huayi would be in great need of this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He glanced at the news. *Initial D* had been in theaters for three weeks, and the mainland box office had finally reached sixty million. It couldn't go much further, and the producers were high-profile in preparing to hold a celebration banquet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The promotion for *Seven Swords* was very tight. Xu Ke was a highly experienced big director who had focused on martial arts films for many years. This time, it was led by Li Ming and Zhen Zidan, with Sun Honglei, Lu Yi, Zhang Jingchu, and others participating. The audience's expectations for this film were very high.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yifei called, with the sound of Shu Chang making noise in the background, inviting Lin Nan over to eat. Although he couldn't figure out what the two girls were up to, Lin Nan readily agreed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yifei and her mother had a separate villa in Jingcheng, which was much more comfortable than where Lin Nan lived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the past, Lin Nan had been invited once or twice, but he had politely declined because he could clearly feel the prejudice from Liu Yifei's mother.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Later, this prejudice seemed to fade, but the opportunity to visit never appeared again. Several girls in the class had been there, such as Jiang Yiyan and the others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>According to the address Liu Yifei had mentioned in his memory, Lin Nan took a taxi to the vicinity. It was indeed a high-end residential area, all single-family villas.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hey, over here!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From afar, he saw Shu Chang waving. She was wearing a single ponytail, a white short-sleeved shirt, and jeans, looking youthful and beautiful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan jogged over and said with a smile, \"Long time no see, Changchang.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You're a busy man. I reckon in the future, even if I want to see you, I might not be able to,\" Shu Chang teased.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I wouldn't dare say that to others, but don't you have my number? Just call me directly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let's go, let's go inside. Xixi is still waiting for us.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As she spoke, Shu Chang led the way inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was evident that Liu Yifei's mother was someone who enjoyed an exquisite life. The villa courtyard was planted with many green plants, and there was a garden containing a set of casual tables and chairs, as well as an exquisite swing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yifei's mother was there too, and she smiled when she saw Lin Nan. \"Little Lin, Changchang, come on in.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hello, Auntie.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan still addressed her very politely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I heard you just got back from over there. Did everything go smoothly with work?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Very smoothly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Walking into the hall, he saw Liu Yifei wearing a loungewear hoodie and slippers coming down from the second floor, followed by two solid-colored cats, one black and one white.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You came pretty fast. I called Little Zhu, but he seemed busy and couldn't get away, and Yanyan has an appearance, so it's just the three of us.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Huayi has been a bit busy lately, but I reckon it will be better in a while,\" Lin Nan said, sitting on the sofa.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(Lin Nan said this while sitting on the sofa.)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the blink of an eye, Liu Yifei's mother had disappeared somewhere, leaving only the three of them in the hall, along with a few cats.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What made you think of calling me here today?\" Lin Nan asked, looking around.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I was originally going to go out and play with Changchang and happened to call you and Little Zhu, but my mom said it's the same at home, and you guys hadn't been over as guests yet. Who knew Little Zhu wouldn't be able to get away?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yifei and Shu Chang sat together, each holding a cat in their arms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Does that mean I get to mooch a meal here today?\" Lin Nan laughed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, and me too,\" Shu Chang said, rubbing her cheek against the white cat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(Shu Chang said this while rubbing her cheek against the white cat.)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"By the way, I have to inform you of something,\" Liu Yifei said slyly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What is it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's my birthday next month. Remember to prepare a birthday gift for me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shu Chang nodded in earnest agreement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Aren't you preparing one too? What are you so happy about?\" Lin Nan said, feeling a bit speechless as he looked at Shu Chang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(Lin Nan said this, feeling a bit speechless as he looked at Shu Chang.)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We're best friends; what's hers is mine,\" Shu Chang said, leaning against Liu Yifei.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright, I'll prepare one for you. Also, remember to notify Zhu Yawen; I can't be the only one bleeding money.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course, none of you can escape.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yifei squinted her eyes, pretending to be a villain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yifei's mother must have gone to contact a restaurant to order food. According to Liu Yifei and Shu Chang, her mother didn't cook either, exactly the same as Liu Yifei.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I remember one time I came over and even made dumplings for Xixi; she only knows how to boil instant noodles.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shu Chang exposed Liu Yifei's secret without mercy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You're amazing, alright, Heroine Shu Chang?\" Liu Yifei looked at her best friend, smiling beautifully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(Liu Yifei looked at her best friend, smiling beautifully.)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three of them chatted happily. A nanny brought over a large platter of fruit, set it down, and left.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yifei's album was already in the midst of intensive production. In the coming year, besides the album, she would go to school more often, single-mindedly waiting for film resources.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shu Chang was also a sophomore now, and all her acting activities had completely ceased; her agent was no different from a stranger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fortunately, there was the CCTV production *Lotus Lantern* coming up; the role of Xiaoyu should be able to maintain her audience appeal for a long time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before long, Liu Yifei's mother returned from outside. \"You guys eat at home this morning; I've already ordered the food.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thank you, Auntie.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yifei's mother smiled and went to change her clothes; it seemed she had something to do and had to go out temporarily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Have fun, you guys. Auntie has something to take care of and needs to go out for a bit.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As she spoke, Liu Yifei's mother put on her wine-red sunglasses and left the house.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Xixi, what is Auntie going to do?\" Shu Chang asked curiously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's probably another company wanting to talk about signing a contract. You know, the company my mom and the others set up for me is actually just an empty shell.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There must be quite a few companies contacting you, right?\" Lin Nan asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(Lin Nan asked this.)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yifei nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ever since *The Return of the Condor Heroes* wrapped up, many agencies have been looking for me, especially after my mom planned for me to take on films later on; even more companies have been in touch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The most frequent one is Huayi, and Tang Ren is also quite active. I've met several famous agents many times. I reckon this time it's another company making an appointment with my mom...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yifei's mother had a strong desire to control her daughter, but this was also a manifestation of love.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chapter 56: Being a Guest\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Tell me about your birthday; why are you thinking of throwing such a big celebration?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Nan found it a bit hard to understand this kind of birthday banquet business.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My mother and godfather discussed it and decided to hold it. Firstly, to invite some producers in the industry to pave the way for me, and secondly, to use this opportunity to broaden my connections and resource circle. That’s what my mother told me. Oh, right, there’s an invitation for you, too.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yifei sat on the sofa with her legs crossed, the pure black cat in her arms meowing lazily from time to time, clearly enjoying its owner's petting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What if I happen to have other things to attend to that day?\" Lin Nan asked, feeling playful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He saw Liu Yifei glare at him with her beautiful eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then you’re dead meat.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was clear she saw that Lin Nan was doing it on purpose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Haha, I won't miss it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shu Chang looked at her best friend, \"Qianqian is actually quite cute when she glares at people.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As she said this, she reached out to pinch Liu Yifei's cheeks, and the two girls instantly tangled together again.\u003C\u002Fp>",2299,"2026-06-20T03:22:09.099Z",1,"Gemini 3.1 Flash Lite","fc5b3101b79d3015ee74d7202851bad13e84c5f88fdb7fea14dc06f7478c452d","that-year-in-huayu-chapter-57","that-year-in-huayu-chapter-55",1000,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthat-year-in-huayu-cover.jpg"]